The competitive rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi is set to continue in the new 2023/24 season, causing a stir among American fans as the two football icons captivate the nation once again.
In an exclusive report from World Soccer Talk, it has been revealed that the competition between Ronaldo and Messi will extend to the United States during the upcoming season. FOX Sports, one of the major sports broadcasting networks in the country, has secured the rights to broadcast the Saudi Pro League for the 2023/24 season. This deal, effective from August 11, 2023, marks a significant development in the American sports media landscape.
An intriguing aspect of this agreement is that FOX Sports will air all matches of the Saudi Pro League in two languages, English and Spanish. This bilingual approach reflects the linguistic diversity of the United States and caters to the large and passionate fanbases of both Ronaldo and Messi, who have engaged in a competitive rivalry for nearly two decades.
Furthermore, IMG, a global sports media company, is reportedly in talks with other major broadcasters in the US to establish agreements for a longer duration than two years. FOX Deportes, a Spanish-language sports network affiliated with FOX, is also showing keen interest in securing broadcasting rights for this captivating football rivalry.
IMG has emphasized its commitment to providing top-notch commentary for the audience, ensuring that viewers thoroughly enjoy the epic competition between the two football superstars. Callum Williams, a former BBC commentator and current MLS Soccer Pass commentator, has been enlisted to enhance the viewing experience.
The Saudi Pro League’s development aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious long-term plan known as Saudi Vision 2030. This initiative aims to drive various sectors, including sports, as part of the country’s comprehensive growth strategy.
Beyond FOX Sports, other international television stations, such as DAZN in the UK, Germany, and Austria, as well as Canal+ in France and Africa, are also involved in broadcasting the Saudi Pro League.
As a result of this development, the United States will experience yet another wave of excitement due to Ronaldo’s influence. Although Ronaldo does not play in Major League Soccer (MLS) and doesn’t compete directly with Messi within the US, the historic rivalry between these two football legends will continue to captivate American audiences through parallel television coverage.
